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Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

ByCaroline
Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 4 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that’s bursting with flavor, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe is one of my all-time favorites to whip up when I want something hearty yet simple. It’s creamy, garlicky, with that gorgeous tang from sun-dried tomatoes and a hint of lemon that really brightens it up. Plus, it’s perfect for those nights when you want a satisfying meal without fussing over complicated steps.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Rich Creamy Texture: The combination of heavy cream and butter delivers a luscious, velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every butter bean.
  • Flavor Depth: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and the Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ blend create layers of savory, tangy, and herby notes that keep you coming back for more.
  • Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests drop by.
  • Versatility: You can serve it as a main, a side, or even toss it with pasta or rice for a different spin.
Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Tuscan Butter Beans, Creamy Bean Recipes, Garlic Butter Beans, Sun-Dried Tomato Bean Dish - A red skillet filled with a thick orange creamy sauce containing white beans, green herb pieces, red cherry tomatoes, and darker brown sun-dried tomato strips. A wooden spatula is partly submerged on the right side of the skillet, stirring the sauce. To the left, there is a white plate with toasted garlic bread slices and another white plate with fresh green leafy salad. A beige cloth is placed under the skillet handle on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe lies in its carefully chosen ingredients that balance richness, acidity, and freshness. Each component adds a special touch to the final dish, so grabbing quality sundried tomatoes and fresh kale really makes a difference.

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Tuscan Butter Beans, Creamy Bean Recipes, Garlic Butter Beans, Sun-Dried Tomato Bean Dish - Flat lay of fresh butter beans in a simple white ceramic bowl, a few whole garlic cloves with clean skins, a small white bowl of organic sundried tomatoes, a small white bowl of rich organic tomato paste, a small white bowl of unsalted butter cubes, a small white bowl of freshly grated parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of chopped organic kale, a small white bowl of organic heavy cream, a small white bowl of organic vegetable stock, a small white bowl of clear white cooking wine, half a fresh lemon cut to show the juicy interior, and a small white bowl of coarse sea salt, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Butter Beans: These creamy beans soak up the sauce perfectly and provide wonderful texture—if you have time, soaking dry beans makes them even better, but canned work just fine.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps soften the garlic into a fragrant base.
  • Garlic: Nothing beats fresh minced garlic for that punch of flavor in Tuscan cooking.
  • Sundried Tomatoes: They bring sweetness and tang that liven up the creamy sauce; opt for oil-packed for deeper flavor or dry-packed if you want less oil.
  • Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the sauce slightly.
  • Tuscan Marry Me Blend: This special herb and spice mix is the secret star, infusing the dish with authentic Italian flair.
  • Sea Salt: Enhances the overall flavors without overpowering.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates that dreamy, indulgent texture we’re after.
  • Vegetable Stock: Adds savory notes and thins the sauce just a bit for perfect consistency.
  • White Cooking Wine: Brings brightness and balances the creaminess—feel free to skip if you prefer alcohol-free.
  • Lemon Juice: The fresh squeeze at the end adds zest and wakes up all the other flavors.
  • Kale: Adds earthiness and a pop of color; kale’s slight bitterness contrasts beautifully with the sweet and creamy sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides umami and a salty finish—plus, it melts silky smooth into the sauce.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love this dish just as it is, but sometimes I’ll tweak it based on what’s in my fridge or how I’m feeling. It’s a very forgiving recipe, so feel free to make it truly yours!

  • Variation: I once swapped kale for spinach when I only had that on hand, and it worked beautifully—lighter in flavor but still fresh and green.
  • Dairy-Free: If you want it vegan-friendly, try coconut cream in place of heavy cream and skip the parmesan—or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy vibe.
  • Protein Boost: Toss in some cooked Italian sausage or fire-roasted chicken for a heartier meal.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for extra warmth.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Build Your Flavor Base

Start by melting butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Once melted, toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant but not browned—watch carefully here because burnt garlic quickly ruins the dish! Then sprinkle in your Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ blend and salt, stirring for a few seconds to toast the herbs and awaken their aroma.

Step 2: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Tomato Paste

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste, coating the garlic and herbs. This step helps concentrate those rich, savory tomato flavors right in the pan. Give it a minute to come together—it smells incredible already, you’ll see!

Step 3: Slowly Incorporate Cream, Stock, Lemon & Wine

Reduce the heat to medium-low and gently add the heavy cream, vegetable stock, fresh lemon juice, and white cooking wine. Stir everything together and keep it at a gentle simmer—just a couple minutes until tiny bubbles appear. This careful heating ensures the dairy doesn’t curdle and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Melt in Parmesan and Toss in Kale + Butter Beans

Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until fully melted into the sauce, which will thicken nicely in about 2-3 minutes. Now add chopped kale and stir until it wilts slightly, followed by your drained butter beans. Let everything simmer together for 5-6 minutes—this softens the beans just enough so they’re tender and slightly mashable, without falling apart.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your beans and kale are tender, remove from heat. I like to finish with an extra sprinkle of parmesan on top for a little cheesy flourish. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides—trust me, this dish is comfort food that never disappoints.

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Tips from My Kitchen

  • Slow Cream Incorporation: Adding cream on medium-low heat prevents it from breaking and keeps your sauce silky smooth.
  • Taste as You Go: The seasoning blend is tasty, but salt levels can vary—always taste before serving and adjust.
  • Use Fresh Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice makes a world of difference for that bright finishing touch versus bottled lemon juice.
  • Don’t Overcook Beans: Keep an eye on the simmer time—overcooked beans get mushy, and you want a slight bite.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans, Tuscan Butter Beans, Creamy Bean Recipes, Garlic Butter Beans, Sun-Dried Tomato Bean Dish - A black skillet filled with creamy orange sauce layered with white beans and pieces of darker browned meat, scattered with fresh green herbs and bright red cherry tomatoes on top; on the right inside the skillet, there are two slices of toasted bread, one whole and one broken, showing a soft inside with green herbs; the skillet is placed on a white marbled surface with small green sprigs scattered around, a brown textured cloth with a gold fork and knife to the side, and parts of other dishes visible at the edges, all well lit. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish mine with an extra pinch of freshly grated parmesan and sometimes a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil when available—it adds freshness and a nice color contrast. A drizzle of good olive oil never hurts, either, especially if you want to jazz it up for guests.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides to pair with this creamy Tuscan butter beans recipe are garlic bread (because, duh!), steamed green beans, or a simple herbed rice pilaf. Occasionally, I serve it over creamy mashed potatoes for a seriously indulgent dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to spoon this creamy bean mixture into little mini ramekins, topped with parmesan and a sprig of fresh herbs—looks elegant but stays super casual. It also doubles as a lovely vegetarian side dish that pairs beautifully with roasted meats or grilled veggies.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight—just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating as the sauce can thicken.

Freezing

This dish freezes decently, though the kale may lose its bright color. I like to freeze in single portions for a quick reheatable meal—just thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stove or microwave.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a splash of vegetable stock or milk to loosen the sauce, warming slowly over low heat to avoid curdling. Stir often and finish with a pinch more parmesan if desired for that freshly made taste.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other beans besides butter beans in this recipe?

    Absolutely! While butter beans have a creamy texture that suits this recipe perfectly, you can swap in cannellini beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas if you like. Just be mindful that cooking times might vary slightly if you’re using dried beans.

  2. Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

    Yes! You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and replace parmesan with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative. The sauce might taste a bit different but remain rich and flavorful.

  3. What if I don’t have the Tuscan Marry Me blend?

    You can create a simple homemade mix using dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. It won’t be exactly the same, but your dish will still be wonderfully herby and comforting.

  4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make the entire dish a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently. The flavors actually blend better overnight, making this a great make-ahead meal.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe is a dish I always turn to when I want comfort but also crave something a little special. Its rich sauce, tangy touches, and hearty beans come together like a big warm hug on a plate. I really hope you try making it soon—you’ll love how easy it is and how every bite tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even if you didn’t. Seriously, friends and family ask for this one, so consider it a keeper in your recipe box!

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Creamy Tuscan Butter Beans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Caroline
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tuscan
  • Diet: Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy Tuscan-inspired dish featuring tender butter beans simmered in a savory ‘Marry Me’ sauce with sundried tomatoes, garlic, kale, and freshly grated parmesan. Perfect as a comforting main course or hearty side dish.

Ingredients

Butter Beans

  • 2 (15 oz.) cans butter beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup organic sundried tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon organic tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Tuscan Marry Me blend
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream
  • ½ cup organic vegetable stock
  • 3 tablespoons white cooking wine
  • ½ lemon, freshly squeezed
  • 1 cup chopped kale, organic
  • ½ cup freshly grated parmesan, plus more for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the base: In a medium skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and hot.
  2. Sauté garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Add seasonings: Stir in the Tuscan Marry Me blend and sea salt, mixing thoroughly to combine the flavors.
  4. Incorporate tomatoes and paste: Add sundried tomatoes and tomato paste, stirring until they are fully integrated into the mixture.
  5. Add liquids: Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, vegetable stock, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and white cooking wine while stirring continuously until combined.
  6. Simmer and thicken: Let the sauce gently bubble for 1-2 minutes, then add the freshly grated parmesan cheese, whisking continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Add greens and beans: Stir in the chopped kale until wilted followed by the drained butter beans, folding them gently into the sauce.
  8. Cook beans: Allow everything to simmer together for 5-6 minutes until the beans are tender and slightly mashable.
  9. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Serve the creamy butter beans with your choice of side such as rice, mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. Garnish with additional grated parmesan if desired.
  10. Enjoy: Savor this hearty Tuscan dish warm for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free option, ensure the Tuscan Marry Me blend and vegetable stock are gluten-free.
  • You can substitute sundried tomatoes with roasted herb tomatoes for a milder flavor.
  • To make the Tuscan Marry Me blend at home, combine dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil with garlic powder and red pepper flakes.
  • If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative.
  • White cooking wine can be omitted or replaced with additional vegetable stock depending on dietary preferences.
  • Using dry butter beans requires soaking overnight and cooking prior to this recipe.
  • Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on stovetop.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 20 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 22 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

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